The role of children in their HIV-positive parents’ management of antiretroviral therapy in Uganda

Abstract

Adjustment to life on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and living with HIV as a long-term chronic condition, pose significant medical, social and economic challenges. We investigated children's role in supporting HIV-positive parents to self-manage life on ART. Between 2010 and 2012, we conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 38 HIV-positive parents who had been on ART for over a year. They were randomly selected from people accessing ART from three delivery sites in Wakiso district, Uganda. Data were analysed thematically. Participants reported children between the ages of 1 and 47 years providing support. Children were a source of happiness, self-worth, encouragement, and comfort. Both younger and older children supported parents' adherence to treatment through reminding them to take the drugs and honour clinic appointments. Older children provided money to buy medication, food and shelter. Parents reported that the encouragement they received after they disclosed to their children enhanced their survival. After HIV disclosure to their children many of their fears about the future were allayed. Thinking about their children's future brought hope. However, looking after younger children while on ART could be burdensome since some parents could not work to their full capacity due to reduced physical health. Children are an important resource in their parents' adjustment to living with HIV while taking ART. There is a need for children to be supported by appropriate policy and other social and health development structures.

Testing for saturation in qualitative evidence syntheses: An update of HIV adherence in Africa

“…New studies also confirmed this theme with more detailed examples of various forms of support that can help PLHIV cope with lifelong ART [ 14 , 16 – 20 , 26 , 35 , 36 , 43 , 45 , 47 , 49 , 56 , 57 , 61 , 66 – 68 , 76 , 81 , 82 , 84 , 89 – 91 ]. Health services can be more supportive by offering adolescent-friendly clinics, mobile services, increased ART days, free services, and improved access to care.…”

“…Our understanding of adolescents’ experiences with HIV and ART was enriched considerably [ 11 , 12 , 26 , 38 , 41 , 54 , 56 , 63 , 69 , 87 ]. Generally, adolescents living with HIV do not receive the support they need to understand their illness and the impact of HIV on their future, engage in care and adhere to treatment.…”

Intergenerational Support for Retirees: The Role of Adult Children in the Livelihood of their Parents after Retirement in Bumula Constituency, Kenya

“…Although the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS, 2018) indicates that seven million Kenyans are unemployed, a situation which hampers financial support to elderly parents by adult children, available literature indicate that apart from financial assistance, adult children provide other forms of support. This is evident from research by Nalugya et al (2018) in Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania Vol 8 Issue 7 DOI No. : 10.24940/theijhss/2020/v8/i7/HS2007-069 July , 2020…”

“…Some unemployed adult children with no monetary support kept their parents' company. It is emphasized by Nalugya et al, (2018) that most young people comfort their parents, giving them hope and reassurance, offering advice, being confidants and just being there for them. Adult children also support parents by renovating their old houses or building them new ones to ensure decent shelter.…”

Perceived self‐efficacy of students and its influence on attitudes and knowledge about HIV/AIDS in Ghana

“…Although health professionals such as nurses may understand HIV/AIDS, the causes and mode of transmission, they continue to harbour negative attitudes towards supporting PLWH because of a fear of contracting the disease 18 . The barriers and negative attitudes towards PLWH found in Ghana are comparable to those reported in studies conducted in other African countries such as Kenya, 19,20 Tanzania 21 and Uganda 22–25 . These trends underscore the need to adopt strategies to change attitudes and enhance the well‐being of PLWH.…”